Modular projection systems and methods of using said systems

ABSTRACT

A projection system can include a projector, a screen, a spine, a base, a projector shroud, and a shelf. In some embodiments the spine is made of steel piping. In some embodiments, the spine is hollow and can accommodate a first cable. In some embodiments the screen is an ALR screen. In some embodiments, the system utilizes an ultra-short throw projector lens. In some embodiments, the base is a steel plate. In some embodiments, the projector system includes a counterbalance. In some embodiments, the projector shroud and/or shelf is/are configured to increase ventilation and/or act as heat sink(s). In some embodiments, the projection system includes a remote-control extender.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefits from U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 62/896,922 filed on Sep. 6, 2019, entitled “Apparatusand Methods for Audiovisual Presentation”. The '922 application isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to audiovisual equipment and, inparticular, to equipment suitable for projecting video from a digitalsource onto a screen.

When audiovisual (AV) equipment is required for a conference or seminar,the equipment usually includes a projector and a screen. In conventionalaudiovisual equipment setups, the projector is typically mounted on astationary table, a wheeled cart, or on a permanent frame with powercords and interconnecting cables running to and from the projector. Thepresenter is typically delivering the presentation from a portablecomputer (e.g., a laptop or a tablet computer) connected by a cord tothe projector. Besides the cord connecting the computer to theprojector, the laptop oftentimes requires recharging from a charger thatmust be connected to a wall or floor outlet. In many cases, to concealthe cords or to keep people from tripping, duct tape, a hollow floorrunner or some other type of temporary covering is used to shroud thecords.

In some audiovisual setups, the screen is mounted on a tripod, or othersuitable stand, that supports the screen from the bottom. In otheraudiovisual setups, the screen is suspended on a framework formed ofexposed trusses or other structural members.

When an elegant and professional environment is desired, presenters maywish to use an audiovisual equipment setup that is at least partiallyintegrated and can hide from the audience at least some of theequipment, cabling, and/or cords.

In at least some embodiments, presenters may wish to use an audiovisualequipment setup that can be adjusted to suit the size of the room inwhich the presentation is being given, and, in particular, to suit theheight of the ceiling. For example, raising the screen closer to theceiling can provide audience members with a clearer view of an image onthe screen.

The apparatuses and methods described in the present application includea modular, integrated projection system with adjustable screen height.Adjusting the screen height to suit the ceiling height and/or dimensionsof the room in which the audiovisual equipment is to be used can providean improved experience for the audience.

In at least some embodiments, the apparatuses can have functionalfeatures that facilitate the setup of the audiovisual equipment, assistthe users of the equipment during their presentations, and/or provideconference participants with an environment that is conducive toeffective learning and interactions with the presenters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A projection system can include a projector, a screen, a spine, a base,a projector shroud, and a shelf. In some embodiments the spine is madeof steel piping. In some embodiments, the spine is hollow and canaccommodate a first cable. In some embodiments the screen is an ambientlight rejection (ALR) screen. In some embodiments, the system utilizesan ultra-short throw projector lens. In some embodiments, the base is asteel plate. In some embodiments, the projector system includes acounterbalance. In some embodiments, the projector shroud and/or shelfis/are configured to increase ventilation and/or act as heat sink(s). Insome embodiments, the projection system includes a remote-controlextender.

In some embodiments, the spine of the projection system has an arm tohold a shelf at a given horizontal distance from the screen. In someembodiments, the ratio of the given horizontal distance to the width ofthe screen is under 0.4.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a projection system.

FIG. 1B is a back perspective view of the projection system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a back perspective view of a portion of the projection systemof FIG. lA showing placement of the projector on the platform.

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the projection systemof FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of an attachment of the top of thescreen to the upper leg of the spine of the projection system of FIG.1A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an attachment of the bottom of thescreen to the upper leg of the spine of the projection system of FIG.1A.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the side of the attachment of FIG.3A.

FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of a projection system utilizing anupper stabilizer and a lower stabilizer.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a stabilizer.

FIG. 5B is a back perspective view of a stabilizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT(S)

Certain specific details are set forth below in order to provide athorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments andimplementations. However, embodiments and implementations can bepracticed without one or more of these specific details, or with othermethods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, knownstructures associated with projection systems (including, but notlimited to, projectors, projector stands, screens, computers, cabling,cords, and remote controls), have not been shown or described in detailto avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elementsor acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of variouselements and angles are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some ofthese elements can be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improvedrawing legibility.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment”, or to “one implementation” or “an implementation” meansthat a particular feature, structure or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment or implementation is included in at leastone embodiment or implementation. Thus, the appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment”, or “in one implementation” or“in an implementation” in various places throughout this specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment orimplementation. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments or implementations.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or”is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise.

The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are forconvenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of theembodiments or implementations.

Short-Throw and Ultra-Short-Throw Projection Systems

In the present application, the term “throw” refers to a distancebetween a projector lens and a screen, and “throw ratio” T is defined asa ratio of a distance d between the projector lens and the screen, and adimension w of the screen (e.g., a width of the screen), i.e., T=d/w.

In some embodiments, the throw ratio is about 1.2:1, and is referred toin the present application as a conventional throw. For example, for ascreen width of 2 m, a projector lens with a conventional throw can beat a distance of about 2.4 m from the screen.

In other embodiments, the throw ratio is about 0.45:1, and is referredto in the present application as a short throw. For example, for ascreen width of 2 m, a projector lens with a short throw can be at adistance of about 90 cm from the screen.

In yet other embodiments, the throw ratio is about 0.25:1, and isreferred to in the present application as an ultra-short throw. Forexample, for a screen width of 2 m, a projector lens with ultra-shortthrow can be at a distance of about 50 cm from the screen. A projectorwith an ultra-short throw can be positioned close to the screen (e.g.,at a distance of between 10 cm and 70 cm from the screen for a typicalrange of screen dimensions).

In the above paragraphs, about means plus or minus five percent.

In some embodiments, a digital computer (e.g., a laptop, a tabletcomputer, smartphone, and/or other smart device) is communicativelycoupled to the projector by a cable and/or by a wireless connection. Insome embodiments, the digital computer is similarly located close to thescreen. In other embodiments, the digital computer is located furtheraway from the screen. In some embodiments, the digital computer is at aremote location.

Projection Systems

In some embodiments, the projection system includes a hard screen. Insome embodiments, the projection system includes a soft screen. In someembodiments, the projection system includes a screen having a mattewhite viewing area with a black screen background to eliminate, or atleast reduce, light penetration. In some embodiments, the screen caninclude black borders to improve the appearance of an image on thescreen.

Some projection systems include a stand, e.g., a tripod with an uprightpole. In at least some embodiments, the stand height is adjustable. Insome embodiments, the stand can be foldable and/or is portable. In someembodiments, the projection system includes a cart for a projector. Insome embodiments, the cart is a wheeled cart.

In some embodiments, the projection system includes a frame from which aprojector can be suspended above the screen at a suitable distance fromthe screen.

An integrated projection system can include a screen, a stand or a cart,and a projector. A shortcoming of conventional integrated projectionsystems is that it can be difficult to adjust the height of the screenwithout affecting the geometry of the projector lens relative to thescreen. Changes to the geometry of the projector lens relative to thescreen can lead to a degradation of a projected image on the screen(e.g., poorer focus or lower brightness of the projected image).

In some embodiments, a projection system can use an ultra-short throwprojection lens laser projector and a screen that includes alight-rejecting canvas. In some embodiments, the screen is an ambientlight rejection (ALR) screen. In some embodiments, the ALR screen is aParallax screen. In at least some embodiments, the ALR screen can rejectlight that is incident on the screen at selected angles of incidence,and preferentially reflect light that is incident on the screen fromother angles. In operation, when an image is projected onto an ALRscreen, the screen can have a similar appearance to a high definitiontelevision (HDTV) monitor.

In some embodiments of the projection system, the height of the screencan be adjusted to suit a ceiling height in a space (e.g., a meetingroom) where the projection system is installed. In some embodiments, theprojection system is a modular system, and the height of the screen canbe adjusted by installing a shorter or a longer section of a verticalspine supporting the screen. In some embodiments, the height of thescreen can be adjusted while leaving the throw unchanged.

In some embodiments, power cables and/or connecting cables for theprojection system can be accommodated inside elements of the projectionsystem. For example, in some embodiments, power cables and connectingcables can be accommodated in a spine of the projection system.

In some embodiments, the projection system uses a wireless connectionfor video/audio connectivity, e.g., a wireless High-DefinitionMultimedia Interface (HDMI) connection. In some embodiments, a wirelessHDMI receiver can be placed alongside the projector, e.g., in aprojector shroud. In some embodiments, wireless HDMI transmitter can beattached to a computer or video device transmitting video source data.

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of projection system 100.

In some embodiments, projection system 100 can include projector 102 andscreen 104. In some embodiments, projector 102 has an ultra-short throwprojector lens. In some embodiments, screen 104 is an ALR screen. Insome embodiments, projection system 100 further includes spine 106, base108, and/or projector shroud 110.

In some embodiments, spine 106 comprises steel piping. In someembodiments, the steel piping can include a length (or multiple lengths)of steel pipe. In some embodiments the steel pipe has an outsidediameter of 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm). In some embodiments, the steel pipingcan have threading on one end of the steel piping or on multiple ends ofthe steel piping.

In some embodiments, spine 106 can accommodate one or more cables. Insome embodiments, cables can be accommodated, for example, in and/oraround the steel piping of spine 106. In some embodiments, cablesaccommodated by spine 106 can include electrical cables thatelectrically communicatively couple elements of projection system 100and/or provide power to elements of projection system 100.

In some embodiments, base 108 comprises a steel plate. The steel platecan include a threading suitable for receiving spine 106. In someembodiments, the threading suitable for receiving a steel pipe with anoutside diameter of 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm). In some embodiments, base 108includes a tripod. In some embodiments, projection system 100 includes acounterbalance (also referred to as a counterweight).

In some embodiments, projector shroud 110 is made, at least in part, ofmetal. In some embodiments, projector shroud 110 is made, at least inpart, of steel. In some embodiments, projector shroud 110 comprisesanother suitable material, such as but not limited to wood and/orplastic. Projector shroud 110 can be used to hide projector 102 andassociated cables (not shown in FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, projectorshroud 110 can be used to protect projector 102 from the elements. Insome embodiments projection system 100 can include a platform 112 (alsoreferred to a shelf).

In some embodiments, projector shroud 110 is configured to increaseventilation and/or act as a heat sink. In some embodiments, projectorshroud 110 and/or platform 112 are active heat sinks. In someembodiments, projection system 100 includes a fan located near projectorshroud 110 and/or platform 112. In some embodiments, projector shroud110 and/or platform 112 are passive heat sinks. In some embodiments,projector shroud 110 and/or platform 112 include various fin geometries.

In some embodiments, projector shroud 110 includes a remote-controlextender such that projector shroud 110 does not interfere with remotecontrol of projector 102.

In some embodiments, projection system 100 can further include a digitalcomputer e.g., a laptop, a tablet, a computer, a smartphone, and/orother smart device. In some embodiments, the digital computer can becommunicatively coupled to projector 102.

In some embodiments, the throw ratio of projection system 100 is under0.6. In some embodiments, the throw ratio of projection system 100 isunder 0.4. In some embodiments, the throw ratio of projection system 100is under 0.25.

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of projection system 100.

Projection system 100 can include platform 112 on which projector 102can be placed within projector shroud 110. In some embodiments, platform112 is ventilated and/or acts as a heat sink. In some embodiments,platform 112 includes a circular shelf. In some embodiments, platform112 includes a wooden circular shelf with a receiving flange for anelement of spine 106, e.g., a steel receiving flange suitable forreceiving a steel pipe with an outside diameter of 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm).

In some embodiments, spine 106 is made up of lower leg 106 a, upper leg106 b, arm 106 c and/or mechanical tee connector 106 d (also referred toas T-connector 106 d). In some embodiments, as described with referenceto FIG. 1A, spine 106 comprises steel piping. Each of lower leg 106 a,upper leg 106 b, and arm 106 c can comprise a respective length of steelpipe with an outside diameter of 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm). T-connector 106 dcan comprise a 1 ½ inch (3.8 cm) steel T-connector.

FIG. 1C is a rear perspective view of projection system 100, showingplacement of projector 102 on platform 112. For clarity, screen 104 ofprojection system 100 of FIG. lA is not shown in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of projection system 100of FIG. 1A. The cross-section of view of FIG. 1D is indicated by the twoarrows A of FIG. 1C.

In some embodiments, spine 106 of projection system 100 further includescorner connector 106 e and/or platform support 106f.

In some embodiments, corner connector 106 e is a 1 ½ inch (3.8 cm)90-degree steel connector. In some embodiments, platform support 106 fcomprises a length of 1 ½ inch (3.8 cm) steel pipe threaded at bothends.

In some embodiments, at least some of the steel piping of spine 106 isencapsulated in 1 ½ inch (3.8 cm) black spandex pipe socks.

Lower leg 106 a, upper leg 106 b, arm 106 c, T-connector 106 d, cornerconnector 106 e, and platform support 106f are collectively referred toas spine 106.

The length of lower leg 106 a can be selected to provide a preferredoverall screen height suitable for the space and the expected audience.In some embodiments, projection system 100 includes a set ofinterchangeable lower legs. In some embodiments, the set ofinterchangeable lower legs 106 a includes three legs, each one having adifferent length (e.g., lengths of 24 inches (0.61 m), 36 inches (0.91m), and 48 inches (1.22 m)). Regardless of the length of lower leg 106a, spine 106 and arm 106 c remain in a desired geometry of the projectorlens relative to the screen.

In some embodiments, the length of lower leg 106 a is continuouslyadjustable. For example, lower leg 106 a can include telescopic piping.In some embodiments, telescopic piping can be extended to a desiredlength and secured, for example, by one or more screws.

In some embodiments, the adjustment of lower leg 106 a is motorized.

In some embodiments, the length of arm 106 c is adjustable. In someembodiments, the length of upper leg 106 b is adjustable.

In some embodiments, upper leg 106 b and arm 106 c are mechanicallycoupled such that an adjustment in the length of upper leg 106 b causesa corresponding adjustment in the length of arm 106 c (or vice versa) soas to maintain a desired geometry of the projector lens relative to thescreen.

In some embodiments, T-connector 106 d can slide along one of lower leg106 a and upper leg 106 b, and can be secured, for example, by one ormore screws.

Attachment of Screen

FIG. 2 is perspective drawing of attachment 200 of the top of screen 104to upper leg 106 b of spine 106 of projection system 100 of FIG. 1A.

In some embodiments, attachment 200 comprises upper frame member 202,and/or U-shaped bracket 204. In some embodiments, bracket 204 has bradhole ends. In some embodiments, upper frame member 202 sits on bracket204. Other suitable attachments can be used.

FIG. 3A is a perspective drawing of attachment 300 of the bottom ofscreen 104 to upper leg 106 b of spine 106 of example projection system100 of FIG. 1A. Elements in FIG. 3 labeled with the same numbers as inFIGS. lA to 1D are similar, or even identical, to those described withreference to FIGS. lA to 1D.

In some embodiments, attachment 300 comprises lower frame member 302,bracket 304, and/or screw 306. In some embodiments, screen 104 isattached to lower frame member 302. In some embodiments, lower framemember 302 is attached to upper leg 106 b by bracket 304 and secured byscrew 306. Other suitable attachments can be used.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of example attachment 300 of FIG. 3A.The cross-sectional view of FIG. 3B is indicated by the two arrows B ofFIG. 3A.

In some embodiments, a magnet is used at the bottom of the screen tostabilize the screen.

In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 4, an upperstabilizer 410 and/or a lower stabilizer 420 can be used to stabilizethe screen by providing horizontal support for the screen.

Applications

In some embodiments, projection system 100 can have the same, or atleast similar, footprint as a flat-screen television on a stand. In atleast some embodiments this provides a larger screen surface for lesscost than a conventional HDTV for a system of comparable size.

In some embodiments projection system 100 can be disassembled, or atleast partially disassembled, into its modular components fortransportation or storage, for example. Unlike large HDTV systems, whichare typically over 55 inches in size and require more than one person toplace the TV on the stand, the modular components of the projectionsystem can be assembled or re-assembled by a single person.

Advantages of the present technology can include a modular build, asmaller footprint with a larger screen size, ability to break down thedevice for easier storage, and/or cost savings relative to comparableconventional HDTV technology.

Particular elements and the configuration of those elements of thepresent technology as described in the above embodiments and embodimentscan be incorporated into projection systems in other suitablecombinations or arrangements, for example to suit particularapplications.

While particular elements, embodiments, implementations, andapplications of the present technology have been shown and described, itwill be understood, that the technology is not limited thereto sincemodifications can be made without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular projection system comprising: a) aprojector with a lens; b) a screen; c) a spine comprising: i) an arm;ii) an upper leg configured to support said screen; and iii) a lowerleg; d) a base configured to be placed on a floor and connect to saidlower leg of said spine; e) a projector shroud configured to hide saidprojector from view; and f) a shelf configured to hold said projector,wherein said shelf is connected to said arm, wherein said shelf islocated below said screen when said modular projection system isassembled, wherein said arm is configured to hold said shelf such thatsaid lens is located at a given horizontal distance from said screen,wherein said screen has a width, wherein the ratio of said givenhorizontal distance to said width is under 0.6.
 2. The modularprojection system of claim 1 wherein said spine is made of steel piping.3. The modular projection system of claim 1 wherein said spine is hollowand can accommodate a first cable.
 4. The modular projection system ofclaim 1 wherein said screen is an ALR screen.
 5. The modular projectionsystem of claim 1 wherein said projector uses an ultra-short throwprojector lens.
 6. The modular projection system of claim 1 wherein saidbase is a steel plate.
 7. The modular projection system of claim 1wherein said projector shroud is configured to increase ventilationand/or act as a heat sink.
 8. The modular projection system of claim 1wherein said shelf is configured to increase ventilation and/or act as aheat sink.
 9. The modular projection system of claim 1 wherein saidratio of said given horizontal distance to said width is under 0.4. 10.The modular projection system of claim 9 wherein said lower leg istelescoping lower leg.
 11. The modular projection system of claim 1wherein said modular projection system further comprises a set of lowerlegs, wherein said set includes at least said lower leg and a secondlower leg, wherein the length of said lower leg is different than thelength of said second lower leg, wherein said lower leg or said secondlower leg are used to make up part of said spine.
 12. The modularprojection system of claim 1 wherein the length of said arm isadjustable.
 13. The modular projection system of claim 1 wherein thelength of said upper leg is adjustable.
 14. The modular projectionsystem of claim 1 further comprising a T-connector wherein saidT-connector is connected to said arm, said upper leg, and said lowerleg.
 15. A modular projection system comprising: a) a projector, whereinsaid projector uses an ultra-short throw projector lens; b) an ALRscreen; c) a spine, wherein said spine is hollow and can accommodate afirst cable; d) a base configured to be placed on a horizontal surface;e) a projector shroud configured to hide said projector from view; andf) a shelf configured to hold said projector, wherein said shelf islocated below said ALR screen when said modular projection system isassembled, wherein said spine comprises an arm to hold said shelf suchthat said ultra-short throw projector lens is located at a givenhorizontal distance from said ALR screen, wherein said ALR screen has awidth, wherein said ratio of said given horizontal distance to saidwidth is under 0.4.
 16. The modular projection system of claim 15wherein said modular projection system further comprises a set of lowerlegs, wherein said set includes at least a first lower leg and a secondlower leg, wherein the length of said first lower leg is different thanthe length of said second lower leg, wherein said first lower leg orsaid second lower leg are used to make up part of said spine.
 17. Themodular projection system of claim 15 wherein said projector shroud isconfigured to increase ventilation and/or act as a heat sink.
 18. Themodular projection system of claim 15 wherein said shelf is configuredto increase ventilation and/or act as a heat sink.